Blog
Architectural musings as it relates to renovating in New York.
New Website: Redesigning Strata for Clarity
New website redesign process The process of redesigning an existing and functional website can be fraught with risk and uncertainty and many times we find ourselves repeating the ever common saying, "if it 'aint broke, don't fix it." But I ask you; if we took...
Officially the World’s Ugliest Paint Color
After much research, science has determined the world's ugliest paint color. More specifically, this sewage tinged hue is more like the most displeasing of colors according to an Australian government study. Let's put it this way: it has been successfully used...
How Much and How Long Will a Remodel Cost?
Every year Houzz, a website and platform dedicated to home remodeling and design, gathers survey information on actual renovations. The 2016 Houzz & Home annual survey gathered information from more than 120,000 registered, including more than 70,000 who...
How to Create a Renovation Budget
After gathering great design ideas from Pinterest and other online sources, you're probably excited about renovating your condo or co-op. That excitement can lead you to jumping into renovation too soon. Before hiring any architects or contractors, you must set...
Key Players: Architects, Contractors and Inspectors
You’ve gotten an idea of what you want, you’ve figured out a general budget, and now you’re ready to take action on your home renovation. While the vision and decision to make improvements start with you, unless you have the skills and certifications needed,...
A Co-op Redesign Checklist
Renovations always take time, patience and an understanding of the process. Urban renovations are particularly complex due to the issues inherit in living in major metropolitan areas with an inordinate amount of building regulations. Co-op renovations, however,...
The Smartest Way to Have a Smart Home
Having a smart home can be a very smart move. Not only can you save time with the conveniences offered by home automation, but you can gain peace of mind as well. There are so many companies to choose from, though, where do you start? Let us help you with that....
5 Steps – A NYC Renovation That’s Up to Code
</> There are many city agencies you might work with to complete your renovation, the New York City Department of Buildings is the one responsible for approving construction and permitting work to begin. If you are in a condo or co-op and you're making only...
Debunking the 5 Most Common Renovation Myths
When you get ready to renovate your home, you've probably heard it all! From "Just choose a well-known firm! There's no need to look around when you know other people have been happy with what they're getting!" to "Any designer is going to be too expensive....
Get Ahead of The Hottest 2016 Design Trends
2015 was certainly the year of the neutral, with soft greys performing as a backdrop to white subway tile kitchens and baths, all anchored by black accents to provide balance. While this look is classic -- and isn't going out of style anytime soon, incorporate...
Is Organic Modern Design Right for You?
Organic modernism is a design trend in New York that presents elements of nature in a stylish modern manner. This design is ideal for people who love natural light, airy fabrics, clean color palettes, and nature. A key design aspect of organic modern...
Ways to Achieve Minimalism in Residential Design
Minimalist design for residences or offices appears simple but often requires careful consideration. A great deal of in-depth, extensive problem-solving goes into creating a minimalist environment. The advantages to living in minimalist environments include...
Why Correctly Timing Your Renovation Is So Important
So, you're thinking about renovating your property. Maybe you're considering combining several apartments into a duplex for more space. Maybe you want to give your condo's kitchen a total makeover. While knowing what you want, and even how you want it done, is...
Design a Warm Bathroom for the Winter
At the height of winter, the last thing you want to do is step into a freezing bathroom and remove the layers keeping you warm. It’s possible, though, to turn what might be the chilliest room in your home into a warm and comfortable space. Here are some ways to...
Renovation Motivation: 3 Ways to Overcome the Blues of Home Renovation
It doesn't need to be said, but home renovation is stressful. Everyone starts out with a lot of energy, money, and creative vision. Unfortunately, all of that seems to disappear about half way through a renovation project and many homeowners succumb to the home...
Architects Get More Creative with an iPad
Advancing technology has made most of our lives much simpler and helped many careers to become more efficient. Now architects are able to be more creative by using iPads. The new iPad Pro, combined with the Apple Pencil, gives architects many convenient...
3 Important Things Your Architect Wants You to Stop Doing
It's incredibly difficult to estimate the important role an architect plays in a remodel. Our job is to take the seemingly impossible and make it possible, come up with ways to tackle the problems your faced with, and figure out how to satisfy you; which is the...
The 5 Common NYC Code Violations in Condo Renovations
When planning to renovate, you're going to explore all of your options. At some point you may consider weighing the need and cost of an architect or engineer when renovating your Condo or Co-Op, but the fees paid to these professionals are typically the...